Description
Looking for a comforting yet exciting dish to warm you up? Spicy Pumpkin Soup is your go-to for those cozy nights or midday cravings. Creamy, smooth, and full of rich, bold flavors, it brings together the natural sweetness of pumpkin with warming spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Whether you’re into quick dinner recipes, healthy soup ideas, or vegetarian comfort food, this soup covers all the bases. It’s freezer-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for everything from fall dinners to light lunches. Add crispy grilled paneer cubes or garlic croutons to elevate it from simple to sensational!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
2 cups pumpkin puree (or roasted pumpkin cubes)
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups vegetable broth or water
1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Optional toppings: grilled paneer cubes, croutons, roasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toast spices with aromatics for 1–2 minutes.
3. Add pumpkin puree and chopped carrot, stirring to coat. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until carrots are soft.
4. Blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Return the soup to the pot if blended separately. Stir in coconut milk or cream and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes. Adjust seasoning.
6. Serve hot with your favorite garnish: crispy paneer, croutons, seeds, and herbs.
Notes
Roasting the pumpkin before use enhances the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
If you’re using store-bought broth, taste before adding extra salt—it may already be seasoned.
Coconut milk adds a luxurious texture and balances the spices without overwhelming the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion / Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spicy pumpkin soup, easy soup recipe, healthy dinner, vegetarian soup, fall recipe